The 3rd Eat Smart Course A Grand Success!

Reprinted here from VSDC News, 2005 July/Aug/Sep.

The 3rd VSDC Eat Smart Program held a festive graduation ceremony on Saturday 11 June at the People's Congregational Church in NW DC. The 59 graduates accompanied by friends and family were treated to an afternoon of celebration, learning, food, and fun. Dr. Michael Greger gave a lively and informative talk on the great benefits of plant-based foods, particularly in the prevention of cancer. Afterwards Program Director Tracye McQuirter, MPH and Program Coordinator Rose Johnson handed out certificates and gifts to the graduates (Dr. Greger's DVD on preventing cancer).

The VSDC Eat Smart Program empowers populations at high risk of developing diet-related disorders with information and strategies to provide healthier diets for themselves and their families. Diet-related health conditions are among the leading causes of disability and death. Data from the DC Department of Health indicate that heart disease, cancer, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes accounted for 59.8% of all local deaths in 2000. African Americans, Latinos, women, and low-income individuals are disproportionately afflicted. The program was enabled by a key grant from Kaiser Permanente with additional funding from VSDC. The course was conducted at three locations in Washington DC - two in the evening and one in the daytime. Over 90 persons were enrolled and attended part of the classes.

The next VSDC Eat Smart course is planned for two sites from September to November 2005. If you are interested in attending, please visit www.vsdc.org for more information. VSDC also needs additional funds to continue this project. Please see the appeal letter also in this issue. If you are able to help with a fully tax-deductible contribution, please send your check, payable to VSDC, to P.O. Box 4921, Washington, DC 20008. Please write "Eat Smart Program" on the memo line of your check.

VSDC would like to thank all students, volunteers, Advisory Committee members, staff, and donors for making the 3rd VSDC Eat Smart course a great success! (See the list of the VSDC Eat Smart Program Graduates on page 3 of this issue.)

[photo omitted] Program Director Tracye McQuirter addressing the graduates

[photo omitted] Program Coordinator Rose Johnson announcing graduates for certificates